Wildlife Sanctuary records Irrawaddy Dolphins’ population

The Wildlife Sanctuary at Mainmahla Island in Bogale Township, Ayeyawady Region, will conduct a survey to record the number of Irrawaddy dolphins in the area between January and March.
U Sai Wunna Kyi, warden of the sanctuary, said: “We’ll begin the survey in the third week of January. Having conducted similar surveys since 2021, last year’s count revealed 16 Irrawaddy dolphins. Dolphins don’t linger in the sanctuary. The island has more crocodiles [than dolphins].”
Irrawaddy dolphins love to roam between Mandalay and Kyaukmyaung (Protected Area 1) in Mandalay Region, and Htigyaing-Katha-Shwegu (Protected Area 2) in Sagaing Region. They are also spotted between Malei in Kanbalu Township and Shwegu in Kachin State.
The Mainmahla Island Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses freshwater and saltwater environments, serving as Myanmar’s sole natural protected area for crocodiles inhabiting both types of waters. It is also home to dolphins, seals, hogs, native and wintering birds and many other mammals. — ASH/NT